CRAIG MILLAR'S CUP 235 



linked it intimately with me, insomuch as this emissary 

 proved a friend in need at such a time. 



I will say no more than that in marrying I did the one 

 thing of my life which has never been touched by the 

 slightest shadow of regret. That is mere truth, and not 

 to be dilated on heie. 



We went to Kilvington in time for the St Leger week, 

 and Tom Scott and I, as a matter of course, saw Petrarch 

 win the St Leger it was his turn that time. There must 

 have been something the matter with Kisber, who started 

 a hot favourite, but that year's classic results were such 

 that it is idle to attempt any explanation of them at 

 this date. Petrarch was a beautiful, blood-like bay 

 colt, rather short in his back ribs and light of loin, 

 but it can hardly admit of doubt that the much more 

 sturdy and robust Kisber was the better animal. So let 

 it rest. 



The Friday at Doncaster sent us back overjoyed to 

 Kilvington, for Craig Millar won the Cup, 2 miles 5 furlongs, 

 very easily, by 2 lengths, with Controversy second, and 

 Hampton (who started favourite) and Charon unplaced. 

 That is the only occasion during a long life on which I 

 have thrown up my hat, but I did it then, and had much 

 difficulty in recovering it in a battered condition. People 

 had been so aggravating on the subject of Blair Athol's 

 stock not staying that this triumph was joy indeed. 



Moreover, the race before the Cup had been won by 

 Twine the Plaiden (daughter of Blair Athol and Old Orange 

 Girl) by ten lengths, and they brought her out again for 

 the race after the Cup, the Park Hill Stakes, over the 

 Leger course. This too she won running away. I can 

 feel the exaltation of those three Blair Athol triumphs 

 even now as I write. 



We went off home there and then, with the conviction 

 that for us the Race-course had accomplished its best 

 possible. Whether we were reprimanded or not on our 

 return is buried in oblivion ; what does blaze out in the 

 light of memory is that we were very happy. Blair Athol 



